Orna Therapeutics, a biotechnology company dedicated to designing and delivering a new class of fully engineered circular RNA therapeutics (oRNA), has acquired ReNAgade Therapeutics, a pioneer in unlocking the potential of RNA therapeutics.
 
Amit D. Munshi, Chief Executive Officer of ReNAgade, will succeed Tom Barnes, Ph.D., to lead Orna as Chief Executive Officer.
 
“RNA-centric approaches are poised to eclipse traditional cell therapy-based methods and reshape the future of medicine,” said Munshi. “This strategic acquisition unifies Orna’s and ReNAgade’s strengths and capabilities under one roof, expanding technological synergies and multiplying the companies’ depth and breadth of expertise to drive a unique RNA therapeutic-focused R&D engine.”
 
Orna aims to advance an industry-leading approach by combining its circular RNA expression technology with ReNAgade’s broad portfolio of LNP-based RNA delivery systems and comprehensive editing programs to solve the most pressing challenges in drug development.
 
Barnes will retain his position on Orna’s Board of Directors and serve as chair of its Scientific Advisory Board.
 
“Orna remains singularly focused on developing the right tools and technologies and building the right company to power an entirely new class of RNA-based medicines,” said Barnes. “The combination of technologies positions Orna to advance best-in-class panCAR in vivo CAR RNA therapies and expand existing gene editing delivery solutions with circular RNA to address the massive unmet need in multiple diseases.”
 
“Both Orna and ReNAgade were founded on our bold vision to push the boundaries of RNA medicine,” said Ansbert Gadicke, M.D., Managing Partner of MPM BioImpact. “The fusion of these industry leaders in circular RNA and delivery will transform the landscape of RNA therapeutics and accelerate clinical milestones leading to greater impact for patients living with cancer and autoimmune diseases. The combined company is supported by a substantial financial position enabling these milestones.”
 
The combined company will have a strong pipeline including panCAR programs in oncology and autoimmune disease, vaccine programs partnered with Merck, and genetic disease programs.

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